The company seeks to open units in Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento and Santa Barbara.

BakingBusiness.com,
10/15/2013

by Jeff Gelski

CANTON, MASS. – Dunkin’ Donuts said on Oct. 15 it plans to expand into California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. The plans include the California cities of Fresno, Bakersfield, Sacramento and Santa Barbara.

Canton-based Dunkin’ Donuts, part of Dunkin’ Brands Group, Inc., plans to recruit multi-unit operators to open both traditional restaurants and a range of non-traditional venues, including those at colleges and universities, casinos, military bases, supermarkets, airports and travel centers. Development incentives are available for a limited time. They included reduced royalty fees in the early years and a $10,000 local store marketing contribution by the company for qualifying franchises.

“We’re experiencing incredible momentum in our growth, both east and west of the Mississippi, and are thrilled to open the Central Valley and Central Coast regions for development opportunities,” said Grant Benson, vice-president of franchising and business development for Dunkin’ Brands.

Dunkin’ Donuts plans eventually to have as many as 1,000 restaurants in California. Last January the company announced plans to enter Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Bernardino, Ventura and Orange counties. Since then the company has executed franchise agreements in the markets to develop more than 70 new freestanding restaurants, which should begin opening in 2015. A franchise agreement with Embassy Suites San Diego should lead to a restaurant opening in the first quarter of 2014.